The True Love Bookshop

This book was adorable. I normally read books a lot faster this one took me almost a month. I would read a few chapters, and I would set it down. I always came back to read it, and enjoyed it. I didn’t walk into walls kind of invested but it was a good leisure read. It had a easy plot, and everything at the end was all tied up with a bow. I think what I really loved the most about this book was River. He was brooding and a loner, but not unlikeable. He was written with compassion and love for his dog, his dad, and Tess. I think that he made the book. Honestly what would have made it 5 stars for me if it were told in Rivers POV instead of being third person. Heather sometimes annoyed me, but I think she was supposed to. Her and Teas were “sisters,” but she seemed very young and immature. It also bothered me she was like “I’m an actress I don’t know anything about psychology.” Cool but you have to have an understanding of people to act. Why you such a bimbo girl? I will tell you, this made me interested in reading the authors other books. It was an absolute joy to be taken on this journey. Make sure to get your signed copy. 🙃

3.5 stars rounded up (for those new to my reviews, this means I liked it!). This was a really sweet read. It's my first from Rains, but I was totally able to appreciate and enjoy this book without having read the prior 2 books in the series. I'm very interested to find out what happens between 2 of the characters though, so I can def. see myself reading the next book in the series, which I'm hoping features a certain mayor. The True Love Bookshop was told in 3rd person POV. This is completely a personal preference of mine, but I much prefer 1st person. However, once I got used to it, I was used to it and it didn't bug me. This small town romance reminded me a bit of a Hallmark movie, which I mean in the best way possible. Yes, much of the book was predictable; the characters certainly faced some serious trials and tribulations, but in general, the book, the town, and the romance were charming. If Tess Lane knew anything, it was these 2 things: her deceased husband was the perfect spouse/ significant other, and she hated River Harrison. Except as it turns out, maybe Tess Lane didn't really know anything. Tess and River team up together to uncover secrets about her dead husband's past, but there's a reason secrets are kept secret. Tropes for this book include 1) the dead ex trope, 2) guy falls first, 3) one bed, and 4) enemies to lovers. As I stated earlier, this was a sweet and charming romance. River and Tess def. worked for their happily ever after, but they got there eventually. And I enjoyed watching them work for it! This is a closed door romance, so there are no steamy scenes, if that’s something you’re looking for. However, if you like charming romances with a little bit of angst and a swoony hero who falls fast and hard, you should def. check this out. It would make a great summer read.

The True Love Bookshop is the third book in the Somerset Lake series by Annie Rains. Tess Lane owning Lakeside Books has been a dream come true. She hosts a weekly book club there that has been her lifeline since her husband, Jared's sudden death three years ago. She’s ready to start a new chapter in her life, to finally move on until River Harrison shows up at the store. All her lingering unanswered questions come back. River is a former Marine turned private investigator. He is a reminder of everything she has lost. She tries to ignore him, but she soon realizes River is the key to finally getting the answers she needs. Together, they embark on a journey of discovery. Is she really ready for the answers she’s looking for? Once she knows, there’s no going back. Despite her misgivings, she forges forward and even finds joy and laughter in her life again. Can Tess find the strength to forgive, let go of the past and find love again? Annie Rains is a new author to me and I love the cover of this book that I picked it up. I didn’t realize that it is the third in the series and worried that it would affect my understanding. There were references to the previous two books, it didn’t overwhelm this story or my enjoyment. From the beginning, I felt for Tess and her struggles to move forward from her husband’s death. When River stumbles into her bookstore, she can’t quite be heartless and refuse his pleas for help. I enjoyed the chemistry and history between Tess and River. I also enjoyed that their story wasn’t a typical, formulaic romance. There were real issues that were discussed but didn’t magically disappear as their relationship grew from enemies to friends to maybe more? I even enjoyed the supporting cast. Overall, I truly enjoyed The True Love Bookshop and look forward to going back to the first two books and reading any future books in the series. I recommend The True Love Bookshop. The True Love Bookshop is available in paperback and eBook

Loved this story and the continuation of the series. Read the entire series in a weekend. Can't wait for next book

Live this author. She writes “Virgin River” type stories. The characters are relatable and the location is small town enough to know everyone. Like a Hallmark movie with some grit.